PITTSBURGH — American Queen Voyages (AQV) has introduced the longest sailing in the company’s history, a 23-day, and 1,772-mile journey sailing through 10 states.
Departing July 24, 2023, the American Countess Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers sailing will embark for Pittsburgh from Minneapolis. The reverse, departing Aug. 14, 2023, will also be available for booking.
The 2023 Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers sailing will cover more miles, call on more port cities and offer the most unlimited guided tours of any itineraries in American Queen Voyages’ 10-year history.
Chief Commercial Officer Isis Ruiz tells Travelweek that AQV’s repeat guests continue to seek new itineraries. “There was a desire to offer a full Ohio River experience and from that it expanded to the Upper Mississippi. Extended itineraries have been a popular trend among luxury ocean ships for some time and this style voyage sailing two of North America’s most iconic rivers will offer guests a true immersion across the heart of the U.S.”
AQV’s 16-day Mighty Mississippi voyage between Minneapolis (Red Wing) and New Orleans was already one of AQV’s most popular itineraries, she adds, leading to this new even more immersive itinerary sailing to Pittsburgh that now incorporates the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
The 417-guest American Queen is currently sailing a nine-day Ohio River voyage between Louisville and Pittsburgh with ports of call including Madison, Cincinnati, Maysville, Point Pleasant and Marietta. AQV’s newest riverboat, the 245-guest American Countess, visited Pittsburgh earlier this year and will return Sept. 6, 2022.
The Minneapolis (Red Wing) to Pittsburgh voyage takes guests through the most scenic spots on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Passing through 10 states and 1,772 miles, the sailing offers a one-of-a-kind exploration of North America. The journey begins in Red Wing, MN, with an itinerary that includes: La Crosse, WI; Dubuque, IA; Bettendorf, IA; Burlington, IA; Hannibal, MO; St. Louis, MO; Kimmswick, MO; Cape Girardeau, MO; Paducah, KY; Henderson, KY; Owensboro, KY; Brandenburg, KY; Louisville, KY; Madison, IN; Cincinnati, OH; Maysville, KY; Point Pleasant, WV; Marietta, OH; and Pittsburgh, PA.
Premium and included shore excursion highlights of the Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers itinerary include A Story of Cinema: The ‘Field of Dreams’ Experience in Dubuque, IA. Passengers have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a new perspective on the 1989 Academy Award-winning film ‘Field of Dreams’ with AQV’s premium shore excursion that takes participants to the baseball field featured in the movie.
Per person fares for the entire 2023 Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers sailing start from US$7,197 when paid in full by Aug. 31, 2022. For more information, visit aqvoyages.com.
